Flight Attendant
United Airlines offers a career path where professional growth is supported by exceptional benefits, global travel opportunities, and strong team connections. Joining United means contributing to the future of aviation and defining tomorrow, together. As the largest airline in the world with an expansive and rapidly growing network, United is home to over 28,000 dedicated flight attendants. This highly sought-after role provides the unique opportunity to experience the world while working. United provides comprehensive training, making prior aviation schooling or a college degree unnecessary.
The journey begins with industry-leading Flight Attendant Initial Training, a 6.5-week program held in Houston, TX. Trainees master United's rigorous safety protocols and service excellence standards. Upon successful completion, trainees are assigned to one of United's seven hubs (Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles) or another designated flight attendant base location. Relocation funds are not provided. Successful graduates become full-time United employees after base orientation. During training, trainees receive a weekly stipend of $140, along with dual occupancy hotel accommodations and two meals per day (breakfast and either lunch or dinner). Successful training graduates are eligible for a $1,000 bonus.
Key Responsibilities & Proficiencies:
A United Flight Attendant is expected to demonstrate:
- Safety First: Prioritizing and ensuring the highest levels of safety for all passengers and crew.
- A "People-First" Demeanor: Exhibiting optimism and positivity, with the ability to adapt to diverse customer situations. Direct engagement with customers requires outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the capacity to resolve issues with understanding, compassion, and grace, fostering customer loyalty through exceptional service. Representing United with pride and distinction is paramount.
- Flexibility: Operating within United's extensive global network necessitates availability for assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. This includes fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from the assigned base for multiple days.
- Dependability and Timeliness: Punctuality and reliability are critical for maintaining schedule integrity and meeting customer expectations.
- Team Player: Demonstrating a consistent ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a crew.
- Crafting Memorable Experiences: Embracing the opportunity to travel the world, explore new cultures, and create positive, lasting experiences for every customer on every flight.
Compensation and Benefits:
Flight Attendants receive a competitive compensation package, including a starting hourly flight pay of $28.88, with the potential to reach the top of the base scale at $67.11/hour based on seniority. Additional compensation is provided for language skills, lead positions, and international trips. United offers a competitive benefits package featuring medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life, accident & disability coverage, an employee assistance program, commuter benefits, paid holidays, and paid time off (vacation and sick time). A significant benefit is the extensive flight privileges for employees, their family, and friends on a stand-by basis across the United global network. The position is also bonus eligible (e.g., profit sharing). United is committed to inclusive uniform standards that celebrate employee individuality while ensuring professionalism. Safety and cleanliness are core priorities for employees and customers.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Prospective Flight Attendants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED. Two or more years of college are preferred.
- Have at least one year of customer service experience in the service industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food, teaching/education, aviation, social service).
- Be able to speak clearly, concisely, and loudly enough to be heard in emergency situations.
- Demonstrate fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English.
- Demonstrate fluency in reading and speaking Hebrew.
- Possess the ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Be capable of effective communication during high-stress situations such as aircraft evacuation, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
- Maintain a professional appearance, adhering to excellent grooming standards and complying with United's uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Tattoos are prohibited on the head, hands, or neck (including behind the ear). Visible tattoos on arms, wrists, legs, and feet are permitted, provided they are no larger than a credit card (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide) or are covered by standard uniform pieces. Visible tattoos must not be offensive (including but not limited to violent, obscene, sexual, racist, objectionable content, or imagery including weapons). Decorative covers, adornments, or jewelry on or in the mouth/teeth are not permitted.
- Be able to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) necessary for required tasks.
- Possess a valid passport prior to application with at least 18 months of remaining validity. Physical possession of a valid U.S. or foreign passport book with applicable visas and global travel eligibility is required at the time of application. Having only applied for or waiting for a renewed passport is insufficient.
- Be able to travel to and from all countries United serves without restriction as a working crew member. Applicants are responsible for verifying their own travel eligibility for all destinations served by United.
- Possess the physical capability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (such as luggage to overhead bins or window exits), and push/pull a beverage cart (up to 250 lbs.).
- Be able to pass a functional reach assessment demonstrating a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach (simultaneous hold, without shoes) to operate necessary equipment and doors.
- Be able to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness properly fastened.
- Be willing and able to serve and/or sell food and beverages (including alcohol) professionally and diligently.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule supporting United's 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Onboarding and Training Expectations:
During training, prospective Flight Attendants must successfully complete a water evacuation drill in a pool. Pre-employment requirements include passing a DOT drug screen, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests. The role is safety-sensitive, requiring the ability to pass DOT/FAA pre-employment and randomized drug screens; medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited. A 10-year background check, including criminal history, must be successfully completed. The background must not restrict travel to any United destination (e.g., DWI/DUI convictions within the last 10 years may require a Temporary Resident Permit from the Canadian government). Hearing and vision must meet FAA and United Airlines requirements, typically involving specific audiometry averages and corrected vision of 20/40 or better for both far and near vision.
The job posting is scheduled to end on 9/29/2025.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT.
United ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform crucial job functions. Please contact the appropriate channel to request accommodation.